I am looking forward to 2018 and to working with you to strengthen our knowledge and capacity to ensure parks and recreation is recognized for the significant role it plays in our cities and communities across this country.

What does it mean for parks and recreation in light of the 2015 Menino Survey of Mayors that shows the country's mayors, regardless of their city size or their political bent, rank parks fifth on their list of 12 top big-ticket priorities?